The Best Things for Adults To Do in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta offers far more than just its famous skyline and traffic. Whether you live in the city, are planning a weekend visit, or are exploring a longer stay, there are plenty of things for adults to do in Atlanta—from nightlife and food to museums, outdoor adventures, and day trips.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide you can actually use to plan your time.

Classic “Only in Atlanta” Experiences for Adults

Explore Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area

This central area is packed with big-name attractions within walking distance of each other:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, with walk-through tunnels and large viewing windows that many adults enjoy just as much as kids.
• World of Coca-Cola – Focuses on the history and branding of an iconic Atlanta-based company; expect exhibits, memorabilia, and tasting areas.
• Centennial Olympic Park – A public park with fountains, green space, and great photo spots of downtown.

These attractions cluster around Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, making it easy to see several in a day.

Tip: Many locals combine the aquarium in the morning, lunch nearby, and a walk through the park in the afternoon.

Atlanta’s Food & Drink Scene

Neighborhood Dining You Shouldn’t Miss

Atlanta’s food scene is one of its biggest draws for adults. Popular local areas for dining include:

• Inman Park & Krog District – Trendy restaurants, cocktail bars, and Krog Street Market, a food hall with a mix of casual and upscale options.
• Poncey-Highland & Old Fourth Ward – Home to Ponce City Market, rooftop bars, and BeltLine-adjacent eateries.
• West Midtown (Westside) – Converted warehouses turned into restaurants, breweries, and design shops.
• Buckhead – A concentration of higher-end dining and hotel bars.

You can easily build an evening food crawl by picking one neighborhood and walking between spots.

Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries

Atlanta has grown into a regional hub for craft beverages:

• Breweries – Many offer taprooms, outdoor seating, and rotating food trucks. You’ll find clusters in West Midtown, Sweet Auburn, and parts of Grant Park/Summerhill.
• Urban wineries – Some offer tastings and events geared toward adults, often combined with live music or food pairings.
• Distilleries – Typically offer tours explaining the production process and tastings for adults 21+.

✅ Planning tip: Check hours before you go; some tasting rooms are only open Thursday–Sunday.

Nightlife & Live Entertainment

Bars, Lounges & Late-Night Spots

Atlanta’s nightlife changes by neighborhood, so it helps to match the vibe you want:

• Midtown – Dense with bars, nightclubs, and LGBTQ+ friendly venues; lots of walkable nightlife along Peachtree St and Crescent Ave.
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward) – More laid-back bars, creative cocktails, and music-oriented venues.
• Buckhead – Mix of hotel lounges, rooftop bars, and more polished nightlife.
• East Atlanta Village (EAV) – Edgier, artsy, and known for dive bars and live music.

Most nightlife is centered around Peachtree St, Edgewood Ave, and neighborhood commercial strips. Rideshare services are common, especially for late nights.

Live Music, Comedy & Theater

For adults who prefer a show over a crowded bar, Atlanta has a wide range of performance venues:

• Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) – Historic venue hosting concerts, touring Broadway shows, and special events.
• State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303) – Large concerts and major performances.
• Smaller music venues around Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village, and West Midtown frequently host local and touring bands.
• Comedy clubs – Several venues feature stand-up shows multiple nights a week, often with reserved seating and drink service.

🎭 Tip for locals: Many venues offer discounted weeknight shows or early sets that end before midnight.

Culture, History & Museums for Adults

History, Civil Rights & Architecture

Atlanta has deep historical roots, especially in civil rights:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Includes Dr. King’s birth home (tours often require free timed tickets), Ebenezer Baptist Church, and educational exhibits.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Focuses on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights topics.
• Atlanta History Center
  130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
  Combines indoor exhibits with historic homes and gardens.

These sites are especially meaningful for adults who want context on how Atlanta has shaped national history.

Art, Design & Photography

• High Museum of Art – Major art museum in Midtown with permanent collections and rotating exhibits.
• Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) – Design-focused exhibits, often with adult-oriented talks and events.
• Local galleries – Especially around Midtown, Castleberry Hill, and Westside, often hosting evening openings that draw an adult crowd.

Outdoor Activities & Urban Nature

Parks, Trails & Scenic Views

You don’t have to leave Atlanta to be outdoors:

• Atlanta BeltLine – A network of paved multi-use trails converting old rail corridors into walking and biking paths.
  Popular sections for adults:
  • Eastside Trail – Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and near Ponce City Market.
  • Westside Trail – Quieter, with growing sets of breweries and restaurants.
• Piedmont Park
  1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
  Great for walking loops, festivals, casual sports, or relaxing with skyline views.
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (various access points north of the city) – Offers trails, river overlooks, and places to launch kayaks or tubes.

You can rent bikes, scooters, or join group fitness classes in many of these areas, especially along the BeltLine.

Day Hikes & Easy Nature Getaways

For adults looking to leave the core city without a long drive:

• Stone Mountain Park (about 20–30 minutes east of downtown) – Hiking trails, city views from the top, and other attractions.
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (northwest of the city) – Civil War history combined with popular hiking trails.

🚙 Local tip: Weekends can get busy at popular trailheads; early morning or late afternoon often feels calmer.

Sports, Games & Active Fun for Adults

Professional Sports

Atlanta is a major sports city with options nearly year-round:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home of pro football and soccer; also hosts concerts and special events.
• Truist Park – Home of the city’s professional baseball team, surrounded by The Battery Atlanta, a walkable entertainment district with bars and restaurants.
• State Farm Arena – Also home to professional basketball and other major events.

Game days around these venues often create a lively, adult-friendly atmosphere with tailgating, bar specials, and post-game nightlife.

Social Sports & Group Activities

If you live in Atlanta or stay for a while, you’ll find:

• Adult recreational leagues – Kickball, softball, soccer, and more in neighborhoods such as Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and West Midtown.
• Indoor activities popular with adults:
  • Bowling alleys
  • Escape rooms
  • Indoor golf simulators
  • Axe throwing venues

These are common choices for double dates, birthday gatherings, or coworker outings.

Shopping, Markets & Local Makers

Major Shopping Areas

• Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza (Buckhead) – Well-known malls with a mix of high-end and mainstream shops, plus restaurants and movie theaters.
• Ponce City Market – Combines shopping, dining, and a rooftop area with games and city views (often with 21+ areas or times).
• Westside Provisions District – Trendy mix of boutiques, home goods, and restaurants.

Farmers Markets & Artisan Fairs

Adults who enjoy local food and crafts can explore:

• Atlanta-area farmers markets – Often held on weekends in neighborhoods like Grant Park, East Atlanta Village, or along the BeltLine.
• Seasonal craft fairs and pop-ups that highlight local makers, often around Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Westside.

🛍️ Tip: Many markets are pet-friendly and pair well with a morning coffee walk.

Romantic & Special-Occasion Ideas

For date nights, anniversaries, or adults looking for something more memorable:

• Rooftop bars and restaurants – Especially in Midtown, Buckhead, and Ponce City Market’s rooftop area, offering skyline views.
• Skyline picnics – Piedmont Park, Old Fourth Ward Park, and rooftop decks where allowed are popular for simple yet scenic evenings.
• Couples’ cooking classes or mixology experiences – Offered by various local schools and bars, typically in small groups.
• Spa days – Hotel and day spas throughout Midtown and Buckhead offer massages, saunas, and relaxation packages.

Quick Planning Guide: Things for Adults To Do in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta as an Adult

• Transportation:
  • MARTA rail and buses serve the airport, downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some neighborhoods.
  • Rideshare is common, especially at night or between nightlife areas.
• Weather:
  • Summers are hot and humid. Plan outdoor activities early or late in the day and save museums for midday.
• Safety & awareness:
  • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Use well-lit, busy routes and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas late.
• Reservations:
  • Popular restaurants, rooftop bars, and special exhibits often require or strongly recommend reservations, particularly on weekends.

If you focus on one or two neighborhoods per day—such as Downtown/Midtown, Old Fourth Ward/Inman Park, or Buckhead/Westside—you can easily fill your time with adult-friendly things to do in Atlanta without feeling rushed.